CCYC (Creative Center for Young Children)
Welcome to the Creative Center for Young Children! Where kids can think outside the lines.
Our purpose is to create a positive learning environment with an emphasis on the Fine Arts that is developmentally appropriate and enhances EACH child’s development physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.
Serving downtown workers with high quality childcare
Fulltime programs for 2-5 year olds
Open 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday
Licensed by Iowa Department of Human Services
Before and After School Program for Elementary Aged Children
280-3032 or email us at ccyc@dmfirstchurch.org
CCYC opened in August, 1991 to provide quality child care to the downtown worker. We are unique because we are the only child care center in the Des Moines area that emphasizes the Fine Arts in working with young children.
Our goal is to provide the best care possible for the young children in a small group setting, have fun doing it, and feel proud of what we offer.
CCYC Philosophy Statement:
What sets CCYC apart from all the rest? In addition to the program that emphasizes the fine arts, we approach everyday with imagination, innovation and, most of all, fun! Studies have found that learning improves when children are engaged in an enjoyable and meaningful activity. Our curriculum includes a variety of intriguing activities that stimulate early brain development with a focus on creative play. Although it may all look like kids having fun, it’s also learning in action. It’s just another way that we make sure your child gets the most out of his or her CCYC experience. Additionally, we spend time just listening to and talking with students. This type of positive interaction encourages the development of emotional, language, and social skills and enhances the development of a positive self-esteem. We also provide opportunities for each child to develop personal interest at his or her own pace. To ensure that children at CCYC are kept interested, excited, and engaged in learning, we’ve incorporated outstanding preschool curriculums that are just the right fit for your preschool child, and enrichment programs for your school-age child.
The Staff is a unique aspect to the Center. To provide the highest quality of child care for the children in their classroom, we staff two teachers per room with an additional staff added through the 3:00 PM hour.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
Four classrooms are included in the program:
- Picasso: 2 year olds 12 children in a classroom
- Bach: 3 year olds 16 children in a classroom
- Mozart: 4 year olds (pre-k) 20 children in a classroom
- Van Gogh 5 - 9 year olds 21 children in a classroom
CURRICULUM:
The programming is developed around the Fine Arts although the teachers develop a rich learning environment and use learning centers to create choices and child centered learning. The learning centers consist of, but are not limited to; blocks, open need and hands on art, science, woodworking, dramatic play, sensory (sand and water tables), books and music. The centers are changed weekly or bi-weekly and develop from the theme that is being used in the room. Changing the centers adds variety and motivation and creates stimulation and creativity.
NEWS FROM CCYC
Hard-riding preschoolers raised $1,020 for St. Jude’s Research Hospital in a trike-a-thon held in the First Church Gym on September 14. “It was hard to get the children to stop,” said one teacher. The children circled the gym to earn money raised from pledges of family and friends.
Connie McFarlin and Lynn Miller of the Creative Center for Young Children staff joined several other professionals in conducting a car seat safety check in the First Church parking lot on September 27. Families with children in several daycares were invited, and of the 27 car seats checked, 19 were found to be installed incorrectly. Connie and Lynn studied hard to obtain the inspection certification and are happy to check car seats free of charge. If your children or grandchildren use a car seat, you can call CCYC at 280-3032 for an appointment.
Staff training is a big priority with CCYC. All full-time teachers recently attended a two-hour training on playground safety. “It was good to see the teachers coming up with ideas to continue the learning process on the playground with what they learned at the session,” commented Director Connie McFarlin. On alternate Tuesdays a number of staff members are learning about research-based curriculum at the Center.
Top preschool educators visited CCYC as part of the program of a NAEYC (National Association of Educators of Young Children) regional meeting. CCYC is one of a handful of metro area preschools which is certified by the Association.